I read the novel Indian Passion the same year it was published, and it has been almost two decades since that discovery. I remember perfectly how it came into my hands at a time when I was looking for stories from other lands, stories that made me dream of different lives and distant realities. Those pages were an open door to the magical and enigmatic world of India, a country that, silently, was already vibrating inside me.
The history of Anita Delgadothe young girl from Malaga who became a Princess of KapurthalaHe made me travel, without leaving my couch, to a world of palaces, aromatic spices, majestic elephants and destinations full of mystery. Although my life was nothing like hers, I saw myself reflected in her desire to cross borders and live bravely.
Today, more than a century after that romance between a Spanish woman and the maharajah of Kapurthalahis name continues to shine just as brightly, reminding us that there are lives that are born to become legends.
The pages of a book bring Anita Delgado back to life
Some lives are so intense that they seem born to be narrated in a novel. It was Javier Morowith his famous work Indian Passionwho immortalized Anita's life for the public at large, bringing her life back to the Kapurthala Maharani their place in history.
This book not only takes us to know the heart of Kapurthala, IndiaIt takes us into a time of maharajahs and unimaginable luxuries. Thanks to him, we discover a brave woman who was not afraid to break the rules to live the love and adventure of her life.
Anita Delgado's story
The origins of Anita Delgado: from Málaga to Madrid
Anita Delgado Briones was born in Malaga in 1890, into a humble family. When she was barely 15 years old, she moved to Madrid with her sister Victoria to work and began to work singing and performing in cafes. There, between songs and looks, she began to forge her destiny.
Her dark beauty and determined character made her one of the most admired artists of Madrid's bohemian life. What she could not imagine was that her path was about to cross that of an Indian prince.
Meeting with the maharaja of Kapurthala
Anita's story changed in 1906, when Madrid dressed up for the wedding of King Alfonso XIII. Among the royal guests was Jagatjit Singhthe sophisticated maharajah of Kapurthalawho was traveling from India.
It was in the Fornos CoffeeOne of the most elegant places in the capital, where the maharajah met Anita. That meeting was like a flash of lightning: he, with his majestic bearing and oriental jewelry; she, with an Andalusian grace and a look capable of disarming anyone.
The maharajah was fascinated. His courtship was as insistent as it was romantic, and within a few months Anita's life took a radical turn.
From artist to princess of Kapurthala
Anita traveled to Paris to prepare for a life that seemed like something out of a fairy tale. In the French capital she perfected her education, learned languages, etiquette and became familiar with the oriental customs that awaited her on the other side of the world.
In 1908, at the age of 18, he set out on the journey to Kapurthala, Indiato marry the maharajaa step that would change his destiny forever.
The wedding was a spectacle of color and splendor: saris embroidered in gold, elephants covered in precious fabrics, hypnotic dances, exotic perfumes and music that resounded like an echo from another era. From that day on, Anita was recognized as Princess of Kapurthala, or Kapurthala Maharania title that would make her a legend.
Anita Delgado's life in Kapurthala, India
Anita's arrival at Kapurthala, IndiaIt was like entering a world of fantasy. The maharajah's palace, inspired by Versailles, was a place of marble, mirrors, infinite gardens and parties where luxury knew no limits. She lived surrounded by jewels, banquets, elephants adorned and silk dresses that seemed to float in the air.
However, his life as a Kapurthala Maharani was not a perfect story. Anita was not the only woman in the maharaja's life. He kept a harem, as was customary in the Indian royalty of the time, and this generated much jealousy, tension and moments of loneliness for the young Spaniard. Although she enjoyed privileges and the affection of the maharaja, living with other wives was not easy.
Despite these difficulties, Anita knew how to make a place for herself in the court, standing out for her elegance and charisma. Over time, she became a symbol of modernity and sophistication, admired both in India and Europe.
Separation and return to Europe
The years of marriage were not free of tensions. Rumors about a relationship with Ajit SinghAnita, the son of the maharaja, caused a great scandal at court. Finally, Anita separated from Jagatjit Singh in 1925.
On her return to Europe, she settled in Paris and later in Madrid, where she lived surrounded by intellectuals and artists. Although she left India behind, her history as a Anita Delgado, Princess of Kapurthalawas never forgotten.
A life between two worlds
The history of Anita Delgadofrom Malaga to Kapurthala, Indiais a reminder that some lives are meant to break the limits of what is possible. Her journey was not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
Thanks to books such as Indian PassionAnita Delgado's legacy continues to beat strongly, inspiring those who dream of living transformative experiences and delving into the deep soul of India. Her life has been told and reinterpreted in multiple works, each one shedding a different light on that young Spanish woman who conquered a throne in distant lands. Here I share with you a selection of essential books to know her story.
Recommended books about Anita Delgado
If you want to immerse yourself in this fascinating story, these are the must-read books about Anita Delgado and her relationship with the maharaja of Kapurthala:
- Indian Passion - Javier Moro
The book that made Anita's life known to the general public, with an involving and exciting narrative. - Anita Delgado, maharani from Kapurthala - Elisa Vázquez de Gey
A rigorous biographical portrait based on letters and historical documents. - The secret notebook of Anita Delgado - Elisa Vázquez de Gey
An intimate look into his inner world, inspired by personal writings. - Memoirs of the Princess of Kapurthala
Special editions with Anita's texts, where she herself narrates her life with the maharajah.
Books hold wonderful stories, capable of transporting us to magical places and distant times. Each page on Anita Delgado is an open door to the India of the maharajas, to their palaces, emotions and dreams that never die.
If you want to travel to India through book pages, do not miss The best books about India for travelling from the comfort of your home
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